# data[].attributes.headline
Introducing Solids - When, What and How!

# data[].attributes.subject
Introducing Solids - When, What and How!

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of evidence-based information and downloadable resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Introducing solid foods, weaning and complementary feeding

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While many parents feel excited about introducing solid foods to their little ones, they often have questions about when to start, what foods to give and how to feed in a way that is safe and supports healthy development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's important to sterilise all your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles and teats, until they're at least 12 months old.
This will protect your baby against infections, in particular diarrhoea and vomiting.

Before sterilising, you need to:

Clean bottles, teats and other feeding equipment in hot, soapy water as soon as possible after feeds.

Use a clean bottle brush to clean bottles (only use this brush for cleaning bottles), and a small teat brush to clean the inside of teats. You can also turn teats inside out then wash them in hot soapy water. Do not use salt to clean teats, as this can be dangerous for your baby.

Rinse all your equipment in clean, cold running water before sterilising.

You can put your baby's feeding equipment in the dishwasher to clean it if you prefer. Putting feeding equipment through the dishwasher will clean it but it does not sterilise it. Make sure bottles, lids and teats are facing downwards. You may prefer to wash teats separately by hand to make sure they are completely clean.

The advice about how to clean your baby's feeding equipment applies to all of the equipment, and whether you are using expressed breast milk or formula milk.

How to sterilise baby feeding equipment

There are several ways you can sterilise your baby's feeding equipment. These include:

cold water sterilising solution

steam sterilising

boiling

Cold water sterilising solution

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Leave feeding equipment in the sterilising solution for at least 30 minutes.

Change the sterilising solution every 24 hours.

Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in the bottles or teats when putting them in the sterilising solution.

Your steriliser should have a floating cover or a plunger to keep all the equipment under the solution.

Steam sterilising (electric steriliser or microwave)

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as there are several different types of sterilisers.

Sterilising by boiling

Make sure the items you want to sterilise in this way are safe to boil.

Boil the feeding equipment in a large pan of water for at least 10 minutes, making sure it all stays under the surface.

Set a timer so you do not forget to turn the heat off.

Remember that teats tend to get damaged faster with this method. Regularly check that teats and bottles are not torn, cracked or damaged.

After you've finished sterilising

It's best to leave bottles and teats in the steriliser or pan until you need them.

If you do take them out, put the teats and lids on the bottles straight away.

Wash and dry your hands before handling sterilised equipment. Better still, use some sterile tongs.

Assemble the bottles on a clean, disinfected surface or the upturned lid of the steriliser.

Find out more about expressing breast milk and how to make up formula feeds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How to sterilise your baby's bottles and other feeding equipment safely and effectively, whether you're using boiling, steam or cold water sterilising equipment.

# data[].attributes.body
Additional information to help inform you on your introducing solids journey.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The term baby-led weaning refers to the relaxed and unstructured approach of offering your baby only solid finger foods and learning to feed themselves from the very start of weaning, with no help from you or another adult. This skips the step of food being spoon fed in a mashed or puréed form, and instead it is usually offered in soft pieces held in the hand. The phrase 'baby-led weaning' was coined around 2003 by healthy writer Dr Gill Rapley, who has written extensively on the topic.

How do I initiate baby-led weaning?

Manageable chunks of different family foods are put onto your baby's plate or a tray, your baby can then feed him or herself how and what they want.

Some research suggests this is a useful way of enabling babies to regulate their own food intake. This 'responsive feeding' might also improve eating patterns, because it relies on your baby's innate ability to respond to cues for hunger and satiety, in a similar way to on-demand milk feeding. This may help with self-regulation of food intake and lead to healthier weight gain.

Why is baby-led weaning sometimes criticised?

According to some research, babies who follow the baby-led weaning approach are more likely to be underweight and may be at increased risk of nutrient shortfalls such as iron deficiency because baby's don't typically eat iron-rich breakfast cereals or red meat until later in the weaning process.

What does traditional weaning involve?

Your baby is offered a taste of food on the tip of a spoon, or on a fingertip. The first foods tend to be cereal, like baby rice mixed with their usual milk, or a fruit or vegetable purée. These mashed or puréed foods can be single foods, such as parsnip purée, or a combination such as mashed banana and mango. Some research has shown that it's important to ensure your baby gets the real taste of food, even those that are bitter, so it's best not to 'disguise' flavours (for example, mixing apple purée into broccoli).

This approach is more clearly controlled by the adult and has the advantage of including a wide range of foods.

A bit of both?

The middle ground is what seems to be favoured by many, and is the advice given by the Department of Health with spoon feeding alongside self-feeding offering an opportunity to grab and chew on foods like avocado, banana or mini rice cakes.

Whatever method you choose, weaning is a gradual process. Small pieces of soft food and one or two spoonfuls might be all your baby wants, and milk feeds remain important to provide the main source of nutrition. That's why this stage is called 'complementary feeding' because it offers the opportunity to add variety to help lay the foundations for a healthy, balanced diet.
This page was last updated in 19 January 2023. Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. Have you got any questions about weaning? Or any tips to share? We would love to hear from you below...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Dr Frankie Phillips - Registered dietitian and public health nutritionist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Choosing a weaning style to suit you and your baby can feel daunting, with everyone seemingly having an opinion. Registered dietitian and leading child nutritionist Frankie Phillips outlines what baby-led weaning means.

# data[].attributes.headline
Hi I'm Charlie, your virtual assistant. I will explain how to use this online noticeboard (Padlet). 

# data[].attributes.subject
Hi I'm Charlie, your virtual assistant. I will explain how to use this online noticeboard (Padlet). 

# data[].attributes.body
Please use the column headings to find the information you need

Then scroll down the column to see the information

Click on the links to view the information

To find other headings please scroll right

If you are using a mobile you can click on the 3 dots on this post and choose start slide show. This makes it easier to look through the information on a smaller screen.

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn first aid skills for babies and children

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn first aid skills for babies and children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learn skills to help a baby or child in a first aid emergency

Our First Aid skills are simple, easy-to-learn, and suitable for anyone looking to learn first aid and help others in an emergency. Explore the different skills below to enhance your own learning so you may be able to assist during an emergency.

Staying safe while giving first aid

Please always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it is safe to do so.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn simple first aid skills for babies and children so you will feel confident to help in an emergency.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough - especially in the first few days.

But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

We're here to provide lots of helpful information and advice on breastfeeding.

If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor, or join a local breastfeeding support group.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Breastfeeding can take practice - read our guides on breastfeeding to find out what works best for you

# data[].attributes.headline
Weaning Developmental Advice for Premature Babies

# data[].attributes.subject
Weaning Developmental Advice for Premature Babies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Department of Health recommend that term babies are weaned around 6 months of age. This is when breast milk or formula milk alone will no longer be enough for your baby to meet their nutritional needs.

A preterm infant is an infant born before 37 weeks gestation. Well, preterm infants born closer to term (34-37 weeks) may be ready to start weaning at 6 months of age as advised for infants born at term.

Infants born very prematurely (23-28 weeks) are high risk infants and support is given by the neonatal and community team.

For premature infants it is important to look for the infants readiness to wean cues. Signs they are ready for solids may include

Your baby will begin to show signs that they are ready for solids. These may include:

Showing an interest in other people eating

The infant supporting themselves in a seated position (premature babies may need extra support).

Lean forward and open their mouth towards a food or a spoon

Put things in their mouth and make munching movements

Holding their head in a stable position

It is important to start weaning before 6 months corrected age (corrected age is actual age minus how many weeks premature) so as not to miss the window of opportunity and babies may be less willing to accept food. Aim to commence weaning around 6-8 months actual age based on signs of readiness to wean.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Weaning Developmental Advice for Premature Babies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Department of Health recommend that term babies are weaned around 6 months of age. This is when breast milk or formula milk alone will no longer be enough for your baby to meet their nutritional needs. A preterm infant is an infant born before 37 weeks gestation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Introducing foods that could trigger an allergic reaction

# data[].attributes.subject
Introducing foods that could trigger an allergic reaction

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Introducing foods safely

When you start introducing solid foods to your baby from around 6 months, introduce the foods that can trigger allergic reactions 1 at a time and in very small amounts so that you can spot any reaction.

What foods to introduce

These foods can be introduced from around 6 months as part of your baby's diet, just like any others:

cows' milk (in cooking or mixed with other food)

eggs

foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye

nuts and peanuts (serve them crushed or ground)

seeds (serve them crushed or ground)

soya

fish

shellfish (do not serve raw or lightly cooked)

Once introduced and if tolerated, keep offering those foods as part of your baby's usual diet to minimise the risk of allergy.

Evidence has shown that delaying introducing peanuts and hens' eggs after 6 to 12 months may increase the risk of developing an allergy to them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Introducing foods that could trigger an allergic reaction - Start for Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out what types of foods may cause an allergic reaction and how to safely introduce them to your baby's diet, as well as how to spot the signs of food allergy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome To Isle Of Wight Family Centres : Isle Of Wight Family Centres

# data[].attributes.headline
Eventbrite to Book Some of Barnardo's Courses

# data[].attributes.subject
Eventbrite to Book Some of Barnardo's Courses

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Isle of Wight Family Centres -Isle of Wight Family Centres provide information advice and guidance to families across the Island. Family Centres aim to provide support to families to prevent their issues or problems from getting worse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

# data[].attributes.body
Information from the booklet of Introducing Solid Foods Giving your baby a better start in life. UNICEF

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ready or not weaning quiz - Start for Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take our quick quiz to see whether your baby might be ready to start weaning, plus learn more about the signs and common myths of weaning.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Nutrition Guide for Vegans under 5 years old

# data[].attributes.subject
A Nutrition Guide for Vegans under 5 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you are raising your baby as vegetarian or vegan the early stages of weaning should be no different from weaning any other baby. Your baby's first food should be meat-free purees of fruit, vegetables and baby rice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The official YouTube for Start for Life - reliable NHS advice tailored to your baby's age. Check out our latest weaning content, including recipes and top tips!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Healthy Start?

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

plain liquid cow's milk

fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables

fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

infant formula milk based on cow's milk

You can also use your card to collect:

Healthy Start vitamins - these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding

vitamin drops for babies and young children - these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

If you live in Scotland

You can get help from Best Start Foods (opens in a new tab) instead.

Advice on healthy eating

For more advice on healthy eating, visit:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.

# data[].attributes.body
Information from the booklet of Introducing Solid Foods Giving your baby a better start in life. UNICEF

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Vitamin supplements

The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.

Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients.

Babies who are being breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Where you can get baby vitamin drops

Your health visitor can give you advice on vitamin drops and tell you where to get them.

You're entitled to free vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start.

The Department of Health and Social Care only recommends vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D.

But some supplements you can buy contain other vitamins or ingredients. Talk to a pharmacist about which supplement would be most suitable for your child.

Having too much of some vitamins can be harmful. Keep to the dose recommended on the label, and be careful not to give your child 2 supplements at the same time.

For example, do not give them cod liver oil and vitamin drops because cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D. One supplement on its own is enough, as long as it contains the recommended dose of vitamin D.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is only found in a few foods, such as oily fish and eggs. It's also added to some foods, such as fat spreads and breakfast cereals. But it's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone.

The main source of vitamin D is summer sunlight on our skin. But it's important to keep your child's skin safe in the sun.

Children should not be out in the sun too long in hot weather. Remember to cover up or protect their skin before it turns red or burns.

Young children should still have vitamin drops, even if they get out in the sun.

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends:

Babies from birth to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get enough. This is whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Babies fed infant formula should not be given a vitamin D supplement if they're having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, because infant formula is fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.

Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for babies and young children, and some may not be getting enough.

It's needed for a healthy immune system, can help their vision in dim light, and keeps skin healthy.

Good sources of vitamin A include:

dairy products

fortified fat spreads

carrots, sweet potatoes, swede and mangoes

dark green vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for your child's general health and immune system. It can also help their body absorb iron.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

A balanced diet for babies and young children

It's important for children to eat a wide variety of foods to make sure they're getting all the energy and nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.

Get more advice and information on a balanced diet for babies and young children:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out why vitamins are important for the health of your baby or young child, and which vitamin supplements they should take.

# data[].attributes.body
Information from the booklet of Introducing Solid Foods Giving your baby a better start in life. UNICEF

# data[].attributes.body
Information from the booklet of Introducing Solid Foods Giving your baby a better start in life. UNICEF

# data[].attributes.body
Information from the booklet of Introducing Solid Foods Giving your baby a better start in life. UNICEF

# data[].attributes.body
Nutrition information labels can help you choose between products and keep a check on the amount of foods you're eating that are high in fat, salt and added sugars.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How understanding food labelling can help you keep a check on the amount of foods you eat that are high in fat, salt and added sugars, as well as help you have a healthier diet.

# data[].attributes.body
Foods to avoid giving babies and young children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Salt

Babies should not eat much salt, as it's not good for their kidneys.

Do not add salt to your baby's food or cooking water, and do not use stock cubes or gravy, as they're often high in salt.

Remember this when you're cooking for the family if you plan to give the same food to your baby.

Avoid salty foods like:

Sugar

Your baby does not need sugar.

By avoiding sugary snacks and drinks (including fruit juice and other fruit drinks), you'll help prevent tooth decay.

Saturated fat

Do not give your child too many foods that are high in saturated fat, such as crisps, biscuits and cakes.

Checking the nutrition labels can help you choose foods that are lower in saturated fat.

Honey

Occasionally, honey contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness.

Do not give your child honey until they're over 1 year old. Honey is a sugar, so avoiding it will also help prevent tooth decay.

Whole nuts and peanuts

Whole nuts and peanuts should not be given to children under 5 years old, as they can choke on them.

You can give your baby nuts and peanuts from around 6 months old, as long as they're crushed, ground or a smooth nut or peanut butter.

If there's a history of food allergies or other allergies in your family, talk to your GP or health visitor before introducing nuts and peanuts.

See more on food allergies in babies and young children.

Some cheeses

Cheese can form part of a healthy, balanced diet for babies and young children, and provides calcium, protein and vitamins.

Babies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old. This includes hard cheeses, such as mild cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and cream cheese.

Babies and young children should not eat mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert, or ripened goats' milk cheese and soft blue-veined cheese, such as roquefort. There's a higher risk that these cheeses might carry a bacteria called listeria.

Many cheeses are made from unpasteurised milk. It's better to avoid these because of the risk of listeria.

You can check labels on cheeses to make sure they're made from pasteurised milk.

But these cheeses can be used as part of a cooked recipe as listeria is killed by cooking. Baked brie, for example, is a safer option.

Raw and lightly cooked eggs

Babies can have eggs from around 6 months.

If the eggs are hens' eggs and they have a red lion stamped on them, or you see a red lion with the words "British Lion Quality" on the box, it's fine for your baby to have them raw (for example, in homemade mayonnaise) or lightly cooked.

Hens' eggs that do not have the red lion mark should be cooked until both the white and yolk are solid. So should duck, goose or quail eggs.

Avoid raw eggs, including uncooked cake mixture, homemade ice creams, homemade mayonnaise, or desserts that contain uncooked egg that you cannot confirm are red lion stamped.

Rice drinks

Children under 5 years old should not have rice drinks as a substitute for breast milk or infant formula (or cows' milk after 1 year old) as they may contain too much arsenic.

Arsenic is found naturally in the environment and can find its way into our food and water.

Rice tends to take up more arsenic than other grains, but this does not mean that you or your baby cannot eat rice.

In the UK, there are maximum levels of inorganic arsenic allowed in rice and rice products, and even stricter levels are set for foods intended for young children.

Do not worry if your child has already had rice drinks. There's no immediate risk to them, but it's best to switch to a different kind of milk.

Raw jelly cubes

Raw jelly cubes can be a choking hazard for babies and young children.

If you're making jelly from raw jelly cubes, make sure you always follow the manufacturers' instructions.

Raw shellfish

Raw or lightly cooked shellfish, such as mussels, clams and oysters, can increase the risk of food poisoning, so it's best not to give it to babies.

Shark, swordfish and marlin

Do not give your baby shark, swordfish or marlin. The amount of mercury in these fish can affect the development of a baby's nervous system.

Further information

For more information and advice about babies and food, see:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Foods to avoid giving babies and young children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out what foods to avoid giving babies and young children, including salt, sugar, saturated fat, nuts and eggs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Choking and gagging on food - Best Start in Life - NHS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See our advice on what to do if your baby is choking or gagging when weaning, and how to avoid it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you've decided to bottle feed, you may be worried about what formula to buy, what equipment you'll need and how to get the hang of feeding your baby when everything is so new.

We're here to provide lots of helpful information and advice on bottle feeding. If you have any worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From making formula feeds to how to bottle feed your baby, we have lots of useful advice and tips.

# data[].attributes.body
When to start introducing solid foods

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get advice on starting solids (weaning), including when to start, what foods to give your baby, and which milks to offer as they grow.

# data[].attributes.body
What to feed around 6 months -

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This food group includes meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses, and is suitable from around 6 months.

As well as giving your baby protein, these foods contain other useful nutrients, such as iron and zinc, which are important for babies.

For eggs, make sure you buy ones stamped with the British Lion stamp mark. There have been improved food safety controls in recent years, so infants, children and pregnant women can now safely eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs (as long as they have the British Lion stamp), or foods containing them.

If you have a severely weakened immune system or are on a medically supervised diet prescribed by health professionals, you should cook all eggs thoroughly. Read about the healthy way to eat eggs.

Protein foods include:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What to feed around 6 months - Start for Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out what to feed your your baby if they're around 6 months old and ready to wean, along with advice on texture, drinks and how to handle foods that can cause allergies.

# data[].attributes.headline
Food allergies in babies and young children

# data[].attributes.subject
Food allergies in babies and young children

# data[].attributes.body
Allergies and breastfeeding or formula feeding

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Allergies and breastfeeding or formula feeding

Exclusive breastfeeding or first infant formula is recommended for around the first 6 months of life.

If your baby has a cows' milk allergy and is not being breastfed, talk to your GP about what type of formula to give your baby.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not need to avoid foods that can trigger allergic reactions (including peanuts), unless you're allergic to them.

Introducing foods that could trigger allergy

When you start introducing solid foods to your baby from around 6 months old, introduce the foods that can trigger allergic reactions one at a time and in very small amounts so that you can spot any reaction.

If your baby already has an allergy, such as a diagnosed food allergy or eczema, or if you have a family history of food allergies, eczema, asthma or hay fever, you may need to be particularly careful when introducing foods. Talk to your GP or health visitor first.

Foods that can trigger an allergic reaction are:

cows' milk

eggs (eggs without a red lion stamp should not be eaten raw or lightly cooked)

foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye

nuts and peanuts (serve them crushed or ground)

seeds (serve them crushed or ground)

soya

shellfish (do not serve raw or lightly cooked)

fish

These foods can be introduced from around 6 months as part of your baby's diet, just like any other foods.

Once introduced and if tolerated, these foods should become part of your baby's usual diet to minimise the risk of allergy.

Evidence has shown that delaying the introduction of peanut and hen's eggs beyond 6 to 12 months may increase the risk of developing an allergy to these foods.

Lots of children outgrow their allergies to milk or eggs, but a peanut allergy is generally lifelong.

If your child has a food allergy, read food labels carefully. Avoid foods if you're not sure whether they contain the food your child is allergic to.

How to tell if your child has a food allergy

Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen.

They can cause:

sneezing

a runny or blocked nose

red, itchy, watery eyes

wheezing and coughing

a red, itchy rash

worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms

Most allergic reactions are mild, but occasionally a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur.

This is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.

Do not be tempted to experiment by cutting out a major food, such as milk, because this could lead to your child not getting the nutrients they need.

Talk to your health visitor or GP, who may refer you to a registered dietitian.

Food additives and children

Food contains additives for many reasons, such as to preserve it, to help make it safe to eat for longer, and to give colour or texture.

All food additives go through strict safety testing before they can be used. Food labelling must clearly show additives in the list of ingredients, including their name or "E" number and their function, such as "colour" or "preservative".

A few people have adverse reactions to some food additives, like sulphites, but reactions to ordinary foods, such as milk or soya, are much more common.

Further information

Find out more about:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Food allergies in babies and young children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how to protect your child from food allergies, such as allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, seeds, and fish and shellfish.

# data[].attributes.headline
Drinks and cups for babies and young children

# data[].attributes.subject
Drinks and cups for babies and young children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Drinks for babies and young children

Not all drinks are suitable for babies and young children. Here's what to give to your child and when.

Breast milk

Breast milk is the only food or drink babies need in the first 6 months of their life.

It should continue to be given alongside an increasingly varied diet once you introduce solid foods from around 6 months.

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies are breastfed for up to 2 years or longer.

Breastfeeding up to 12 months is associated with a lower risk of tooth decay.

Formula milk

First infant formula is usually based on cows' milk and is the only suitable alternative to breast milk in the first 12 months of your baby's life.

Follow-on formula is not suitable for babies under 6 months, and you do not need to introduce it after 6 months.

First infant formula, follow-on formula or growing-up milks are not needed once your baby is 12 months old.

Cows' milk can be introduced as a main drink from 12 months.

Read more about the types of infant formula.

Non-cows' milk formula

Goats' milk formula is available and produced to the same nutritional standards as cows' milk formula.

Goats' milk formula is not suitable for babies with cows' milk protein allergy. It's no less likely to cause allergies in babies than cows' milk formula as the proteins they contain are very similar.

You should only give your baby soya formula if a health professional advises you to.

'Goodnight' milk

"Goodnight" milk is not suitable for babies under 6 months old. This type of formula is not needed, and there's no evidence that babies settle better or sleep longer after having it.

Water

Once your baby has started to eat solid foods (from around 6 months) you can offer them sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals. Drinking water for babies over 6 months does not need to be boiled first.

Fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual.

Formula fed babies under 6 months of age may need small sips of cooled boiled water during hot weather as well as their usual milk feeds.

Find out how to make up baby formula safely using water.

Cows' milk

Cows' milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months but should not be given as a drink to babies until they're 12 months old. This is because cows' milk does not contain enough iron to meet your baby's needs.

Whole milk should be given to children until they're 2 years old because they need the extra energy and vitamins it contains.

Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced once your child is 2 years old, as long as they're a good eater and they have a varied diet.

Skimmed and 1% milk are not suitable for children under 5 years old because they do not contain enough calories.

Lower-fat milks can be used in cooking from 1 year old.

Unpasteurised milk

Young children should not be given unpasteurised milk because of the higher risk of food poisoning.

Goats' and sheep's milk

Goats' and sheep's milk are not suitable as drinks for babies under 1 year old as, like cows' milk, they do not contain enough iron and other nutrients babies this age need. As long as they're pasteurised, they can be used once your baby is 1 year old.

Soya drinks and other milk alternatives

You can give your child unsweetened calcium-fortified milk alternatives, such as soya, oat or almond drinks, from the age of 1 as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Babies and young children under 5 years old should not be given rice drinks, because of the levels of arsenic in these products.

If your child has an allergy or intolerance to milk, talk to your health visitor or GP. They can advise you about suitable milk alternatives.

Rice drinks

Children under 5 years old should not have rice drinks as a substitute for breast milk, infant formula or cows' milk as they may contain too much arsenic.

Arsenic is found naturally in the environment and can find its way into our food and water.

Rice tends to take up more arsenic than other grains, but this does not mean that your baby cannot eat rice.

In the UK, there are maximum levels of inorganic arsenic allowed in rice and rice products, and even stricter levels are set for foods intended for young children.

Do not worry if your child has already had rice drinks. There's no immediate risk to them, but it's best to switch to a different kind of milk.

Fruit juice and smoothies

Fruit juices, such as orange juice, are a good source of vitamin C. However, they also contain natural sugars and acids, which can cause tooth decay.

Babies under 12 months do not need fruit juice or smoothies. If you choose to give these to your baby, dilute the juices and smoothies (one part juice to 10 parts water) and limit them to mealtimes.

Giving fruit juice and smoothies at mealtimes (rather than between meals) helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.

From 5 years old, you can give your child undiluted fruit juice or smoothies. Stick to no more than 1 glass (about 150 ml) a day, served with meals.

Squashes, flavoured milk, 'fruit' or 'juice' drinks and fizzy drinks

Squashes, flavoured milk, "fruit" or "juice" drinks and fizzy drinks are not suitable for young babies. They contain sugar and can cause tooth decay, even when diluted.

For older babies and young children, these drinks can fill your child up so they're not hungry for healthier food. Instead, offer sips of water from a cup with meals.

Fizzy drinks are acidic and can damage tooth enamel so they should not be given to babies and young children.

Diet or reduced-sugar drinks are not recommended for babies and young children.

Even low-calorie drinks and no-added-sugar drinks can encourage children to develop a sweet tooth.

'Baby' and herbal drinks

"Baby" and herbal drinks usually contain sugars and are not recommended.

Hot drinks

Tea and coffee are not suitable for babies or young children. If sugar is added, this can lead to tooth decay.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drinks and cups for babies and young children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Drinks for young children, including breast milk, infant formula, cows milk, fruit juice, water and squash, plus choosing a cup or beaker.

# data[].attributes.body
Start For Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out our delicious recipe and meal ideas for babies and toddlers - including weaning recipes, finger foods, snacks and first tastes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you need some inspiration to help you cook healthy and tasty food for your kids, try these meal ideas.
They are not suitable as first foods, but fine once your baby is used to eating a wide range of solid foods. Read more about your baby's first solid foods.

When preparing food for babies, do not add sugar or salt (including stock cubes and gravy) directly to the food or to the cooking water.

You can find more meal ideas and recipes on the Start4Life website.

Breakfast ideas for babies and young children

Lunch ideas for babies and young children

lamb curry with rice

cauliflower cheese with cooked pasta pieces

baked beans (reduced salt and sugar) with toast

scrambled egg with toast, chapatti or pitta bread served with vegetable finger foods

cottage cheese (full-fat) dip with pitta bread, cucumber and carrot sticks

Dinner ideas for babies and young children

Finger foods for babies and young children

Finger food is food that's cut up into pieces big enough for your child to hold in their fist with a bit sticking out. Pieces about the size of your own finger work well.

Examples of finger foods:

soft-cooked vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, courgette, parsnip and sweet potato

carrot or cucumber sticks and avocado

fresh fruits, such as apple (soft-cooked if needed), banana or soft, ripe peeled pear or peach

toast, pitta or chapatti fingers

unsalted and unsweetened rice or corn cakes

strips of meat without bones, such as chicken and lamb

cheesy (full-fat) toast fingers and cucumber

hard boiled eggs

omelette fingers

Healthy snacks for young children

Babies under 12 months do not need snacks; if you think your baby is hungry in between meals, offer extra milk feeds instead.

Once your baby is 1 year old, you can introduce 2 healthy snacks in between meals:

Getting your child to eat fruit and vegetables

It may take up to 10 tries, or even more, for your child to get used to new foods, flavour and textures.

Be patient and keep offering a variety of fruits and vegetables, including ones with bitter flavours such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and cabbage.

Try to make sure fruits and vegetables are included in every meal.

Try these ways to help your child eat more fruit and vegetables:

Read more about how to help your baby enjoy new foods and fussy eaters.

Drinks for babies and young children

From around 6 months, breast milk and first infant formula should continue to be your baby's main drink.

Whole cows' milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months but shouldn't be given as a drink until they are 12 months old. Whole milk should be given to children until they are 2 years old, as they need the extra energy and vitamins it contains.

Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced once your child is 2 years old, as long as they are a good eater and they have a varied diet.

Skimmed and 1% milk are not suitable for children under 5 years old, as they do not contain enough calories.

Sugary squashes, flavoured milk, "fruit" or "juice" drinks and sugary fizzy drinks can cause tooth decay, even when diluted. These drinks can also fill your child up so they're not hungry for healthier food. Instead, offer sips of water from a cup with meals.

Read more about drinks and cups for babies and young children.

Further information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you need some inspiration to help you cook healthy and tasty food for your kids, try these meal ideas. They are not suitable as first foods, but fine once your baby is used to eating a wide range of solid foods. Read more about your baby's first solid foods.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Keep your child safe from food bugs

Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Make sure your child isn't put at risk because of the way you prepare or serve food.

Always wash your hands before preparing food and after touching raw meat, chicken, fish and shellfish, raw vegetables and eggs.

Check that your child's hands are clean before feeding.

Teach your children to wash their hands after touching pets and going to the toilet, and before eating.

Keep surfaces clean and keep any pets away from food or surfaces where food is prepared or eaten.

Thoroughly wash all bowls and spoons used for feeding in hot soapy water, and make sure chopping boards and utensils are also kept clean.

Keep raw meats and eggs covered and away from other foods in the fridge, including cooked or ready-to-eat meats - you should always store raw meats in clean, covered containers at the bottom of the fridge to prevent any drips from falling onto other foods.

Cook all food thoroughly and cool it until lukewarm before giving it to your child.

Don't save and reuse foods that your child has half eaten.

Wash and peel fruit and vegetables such as apples and carrots.

Red lion-stamped hens' eggs are fine for babies and children to have raw (for example, in homemade mayonnaise) or lightly cooked.

Hens' eggs that don't have the red lion mark should be cooked until the yolk and the white are firm. So should duck, goose or quail eggs.

Avoid raw eggs, including uncooked cake mixture, homemade ice creams, homemade mayonnaise or desserts that contain uncooked egg, if you can't confirm that they're red lion stamped.

Avoid eating raw or lightly cooked shellfish. Babies and children should only eat shellfish that's been thoroughly cooked.

Don't give children food or drink when they're sitting on the potty.

Find out which foods to avoid giving babies and young children

Storing and reheating food for children

Cool food as quickly as possible (ideally within 1 to 2 hours) and put it in the fridge or freezer. Food placed in the fridge should be eaten within 2 days.

Cool rice as quickly as possible (always within 1 hour) and put it in the fridge or freezer. Rice placed in the fridge should be eaten within 24 hours and never reheated more than once. Find out why reheated rice can cause food poisoning.

Frozen food should be thoroughly defrosted before reheating. The safest way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on a microwave.

When reheating food, make sure it's steaming hot all the way through, then let it cool down before giving it to your child. If you're using a microwave, always stir the food and check the temperature before feeding it to your child. Don't reheat cooked food more than once.

To cool food quickly, put it in an airtight container and hold it under a cold running tap. Stir it from time to time so it cools consistently all the way through.

Remember, always stay with your child while they're eating in case they choke.
Find out how to help a choking child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Make sure your child isn't put at risk because of the way you prepare or serve food. Always wash your hands before preparing food and after touching raw meat, chicken, fish and shellfish, raw vegetables and eggs.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to start Introducing Solids to your baby

# data[].attributes.subject
How to start Introducing Solids to your baby

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What are the signs my baby may be ready to start weaning?

There are 3 clear signs, which, when they appear together from around 6 months of age, show that your baby is ready for their first solid foods, alongside breast milk or first infant formula.

Signs your baby may be ready to start weaning

stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady

coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at their food, pick it up and put it in their mouth

swallow food (rather than spit it back out)

Behaviours that can be mistaken for signs of being ready

These fist-chewing, wanting extra feeds and waking up in the night are normal baby behaviours and not necessarily a sign of hunger or being ready to start solid food.

Starting solid foods will not make your baby any more likely to sleep through the night. Sometimes a little extra milk will help until they are ready for food.

If your baby was born prematurely, ask your health visitor or GP for advice on when to start weaning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out when and how to start weaning your baby, what the signs are and what equipment you'll need, with tips and advice from Start for Life.

# data[].attributes.body
Are you looking for ways to encourage your family to eat healthier options?

Do you worry if your child is eating enough or too much?

Our Healthy Balance Workshop will help you explore this and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Portion sizes from age 1-4 years

# data[].attributes.headline
Cheap and easy weaning recipes and child-friendly recipes

# data[].attributes.subject
Cheap and easy weaning recipes and child-friendly recipes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Once your baby reaches 6 months, you'll be discovering the joys of food with them and they'll be learning all about tastes and textures.
We've got you covered with some top baby food recipes from Miguel Barclay and others, including meals you can prepare with toddlers, weaning recipes and ideas to feed the whole family without cooking multiple meals. These recipes are great for babies and can be used in baby-led weaning as finger food or for spoon-fed babies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cheap and easy weaning recipes and child-friendly recipes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Easy weaning recipes from Miguel Barclay and other NHS-registered dietitians, including recipes for babies under 12 months, toddlers and family-friendly meals.

# data[].attributes.body
Our 5 week course for new time parents with babies 0-6 months, the 5th week includes a weaning workshop. You can ask to just do the workshop.

# data[].attributes.body
Information from the booklet of Introducing Solid Foods Giving your baby a better start in life. UNICEF

# data[].attributes.body
What is the DadPad?
It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.

# data[].attributes.headline
Brilliant Brains 9-12 months - Babies likes and dislikes

# data[].attributes.subject
Brilliant Brains 9-12 months - Babies likes and dislikes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brilliant Brains 9-12 months - Babies likes and dislikes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Weaning is a time when babies begin to express their likes and dislikes a lot. Sometimes they surprise you - but what's going on in their brains?

# data[].attributes.body
NHS guidance on introducing solids

# data[].attributes.headline
Introducing to Solids and Healthy Eating 

# data[].attributes.subject
Introducing to Solids and Healthy Eating 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you’re ready to start introducing solid food to your baby or are thinking about what’s to come, let us help! Our guide will show you how and when.